Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB977

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/13/23
• Refer: 11/13/23
• Engrossed: 12/11/23
• Refer: 12/12/23

Caption

In miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, providing for the offense of interference with operation or movement of a public transit vehicle.

Impact

The proposed law amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, effectively introducing significant legal consequences for individuals who engage in behaviors that endanger public transit vehicles and their operators. Under this bill, different levels of offenses are outlined, with serious penalties classified as felonies based on the degree of harm inflicted or the intent behind the actions. This change in state law emphasizes the Commonwealth's commitment to improving safety standards within the public transportation sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 977, also referred to as the Bernard N. Gribbin Law, addresses the offenses related to the interference with the operation or movement of public transit vehicles in Pennsylvania. The bill seeks to enhance protections for public transit operators by establishing specific offenses that qualify as interference, which include causing serious bodily injury or death to an operator while they are performing their duties, as well as attempts to instill fear of imminent serious injury. The legislation is aimed at safeguarding not only the operators but also the passengers utilizing public transit services.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB 977 appears largely supportive, as it is seen as a necessary measure to protect the safety of public transit operators. Advocates argue that the bill reflects the rising concerns regarding operator safety and previous incidents of violence or interference. The legislative discussions indicated an acknowledgment of the risks faced by operators, which contributes to a general agreement on the need for enhanced legal protections. However, discussions also point to the necessity of ensuring that the definitions of offenses are properly structured to avoid potential misuse or overreach in enforcement.

Contention

While there is broad support for SB 977, potential contention stems from the specifics of what constitutes interference and the implications of felony charges. Opponents might raise concerns that the bill's language could lead to overly aggressive enforcement actions that may penalize innocent behaviors. Additionally, discussions around balancing operator safety with the rights of commuters and the public may arise, particularly regarding how broadly the definitions within the bill may be applied in real-world scenarios.